Chapter 149: A More Advanced Civilization

Xing Lingzi slowly rose to his feet, then looked down and spoke loudly, “Very well, return the way you came.”

“Thank you, sir,” came the chorus of voices.

Reluctance was evident on everyone’s faces, yet no one dared utter a word of dissent. This journey had been immensely fruitful.

A hundred or so people had come hastily and now departed just as quickly.

The image of Ye Jiuyou had firmly imprinted itself in many minds.

Because Xing Lingzi saw Ye Jiuyou’s terrifying talent, he had invited him to join the ranks of those imparting teachings and doctrines.

Thus, many from the younger generation remembered Ye Jiuyou, and the elder patriarchs needed no introduction.

Ye Jiuyou’s formidable talent stirred restlessness among them, yet due to Xing Lingzi’s status and cultivation, no one dared make a move.

Moreover, behind Ye Jiuyou stood the colossal power of the Qianye Sect, which further deterred any rash action.

Such a prodigious figure would naturally be fiercely protected by his sect; they were not like the transcendent forces of Xiongying, Daliu, or Fanshi.

Even if ill intentions festered in their hearts, none dared reveal them.

Once everyone had departed, the White-Eyed elder ordered the mountain gate closed, but Xing Lingzi remained behind.

At White-Eyed’s request, the Qianye Sect commenced collective cultivation.

This time, Xing Lingzi abandoned one-on-one instruction and began a true dissemination of the Great Way, employing a professional approach to teaching.

Ye Jiuyou watched Xing Lingzi with a thoughtful expression, sensing that his moment for revenge might be near.

The destruction of the Tongxuan Sect, the grievances against his grandfather, mother, and father—perhaps this old man could accompany him on that path.

When faced with an unsurpassable force, why not ask for help? What harm could it do?

A smile spread across Ye Jiuyou’s face.

The seed of vengeance had begun to sprout within him; perhaps in as short as three to five days, or at most a month, the plan would be set in motion.

Time passed swiftly, night following day.

Xing Lingzi stayed in the southern district of the Qianye Sect for a full seven days, during which disciples from the other three districts also arrived.

Finally, on the eighth day, Qian Liu returned.

Not only that, but the sect leaders from the other three districts came along—this marked a turning point.

Qian Liu, upon returning and seeing the ravaged state of the Qianye Sect, felt as if he might lose his mind. He had been away for just over half a month, yet everything had changed.

Although much had been repaired, a significant portion remained untouched, still bearing the scars left by the destructive Golden-Winged Roc.

The sect leaders from the other three districts were even more stunned, their faces a mask of disbelief.

Some even hesitated, debating whether cooperation was still worthwhile, given the southern district’s present condition.

They pondered the value of continuing to cooperate with the south, for their own sect’s people had told them the district’s worth extended far beyond what was visible.

Yet at this moment, they had not yet witnessed the value mentioned in the letter.

That was, until they saw Xing Lingzi.

Instantly, the sect leaders of the three districts stirred within, greeting him with the utmost respect befitting a student.

After all, as regional sect leaders, they were aware of some of the great figures, and this man was known to them.

Not only that, but they had previously benefited from his teachings.

Xing Lingzi’s doctrines had spread across many parts of the Thousand Emperor Realm, and they had once been fortunate enough to hear them. Naturally, they recognized him.

Moreover, his past teachings had greatly enhanced their abilities; without them, they would not possess their current strength.

Thus, upon encountering Xing Lingzi, their minds were already set: cooperation with the southern district was imperative.

They had finally glimpsed hope.

Although not entirely willing to ally with the southern district’s Qianye Sect, the fact that Xing Lingzi remained there spoke volumes.

If they could align themselves with Xing Lingzi, their own regions would surely ascend swiftly, reaching the heights they envisioned.

“Sir!”

“Hm.”

“You discuss among yourselves. I will take my disciple to handle some matters.”

Xing Lingzi glanced at the four men, then led Ye Jiuyou out. The remaining three exchanged looks, a flicker of disappointment passing over their faces.

“Farewell, sir.”

Qian Liu watched Xing Lingzi leave, then looked at the others, clearly understanding their intentions.

“Then let us talk,” Qian Liu said to the three.

“Very well.”

Meanwhile, Xing Lingzi led Ye Jiuyou out of the great hall. Both gazed upward, their eyes flickering.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes, let’s.”

Ye Jiuyou had already shared his thirst for vengeance with Xing Lingzi, though he naturally withheld certain details.

Xing Lingzi did not press, and Ye Jiuyou did not elaborate; after all, this concerned his own past.

Without hesitation, Xing Lingzi sliced open the void, and the two stepped through, heading straight for the Hundred Sects Realm.

***

The Hundred Sects Realm.

Now shattered and fragmented, yet remnants of life still lingered within. The Hundred Sects Realm no longer resembled its former glory.

“This is where you were born?”

“Yes, I escaped from here back then…”

“I’ll help you search for traces of your kin.”

“Thanks, old man.”

Though Ye Jiuyou accepted Xing Lingzi’s offer, his manner of address remained unchanged, and Xing Lingzi said nothing further.

Ye Jiuyou’s expression was grave; this was truly his homeland.

His grandfather had managed to send him and Qingyu away, naturally ensuring their safety.

“First drop of blood, please.”

Xing Lingzi spoke.

Without hesitation, a drop of blood flew forth from Ye Jiuyou, swirling in the void above. Xing Lingzi drew it in with his hand, instantly forming ripples.

As Xing Lingzi’s soul force spread out, his features began to shift somewhat. Ye Jiuyou observed these changes, his own expression altering.

“Nothing?” he asked.

Suddenly, Xing Lingzi exhaled deeply, his face somber, as if bearing ill news.

“We can’t find them. It seems they went to a realm equal in level to the Thousand Emperor Realm, but whose civilization surpasses it.”

“As expected…”

Ye Jiuyou sighed, understanding.

Perhaps his grandfather had indeed prepared a contingency; after all, since Ye Jiuyou had been sent to the Thousand Emperor Realm, his grandfather would never have abandoned his mother’s fate.

Thus, Ye Jiuyou felt no great disappointment upon hearing this.

“Then… let’s return.”

“Let’s go.”

Xing Lingzi looked at Ye Jiuyou and, sensing the change within him, said no more, leading him back.

At that moment, the sect leaders from the four districts of the Qianye Sect were engaged in harmonious negotiations.

Especially White-Eyed, Cao Zheng, and Yu Xiu, who were discussing matters together. The sect leaders from the three districts had yet to fully understand, but when the trio produced the Memory Stones, the others immediately agreed.

The course was set.